INEC Warns Ekiti Parties Against Underage Voter Mobilisation Ahead of 2026 Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties in Ekiti State, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), against mobilising underage persons for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

This warning was issued on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti, where INEC announced that the online phase of the CVR will commence on August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration on August 25, 2025.

Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the Commission will work closely with security agencies to guarantee a peaceful and credible process. He stressed that INEC is committed to transparency and warned political actors against recruiting ineligible individuals for the registration.

“Let me reiterate that those not eligible, especially those under 18, should not be mobilised by political parties for the CVR exercise. If they are caught, they will be arrested and prosecuted. Security agencies have been briefed and will be involved. Those attaining voting age must bring their birth certificates to verify their eligibility. Anyone caught presenting fake documents will be arrested,” Omoseyindemi warned.

He explained that the registration will be carried out across INEC offices in all 16 local government areas and other designated centres in the state. He added that technology will be deployed to ensure a credible and transparent process.

Omoseyindemi clarified that the CVR exercise is open to citizens who have just turned 18, those who have lost their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or anyone seeking to correct or transfer their voter details.

“The CVR exercise is critical to deepening our democracy. It provides an opportunity for eligible citizens to be captured in the National Register of Voters, and also allows for transfers, corrections of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs,” he stated.

Echoing INEC’s call for integrity in the process, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oluwakemi Akomolede, said the agency will intensify public enlightenment to ensure citizens are aware of the importance of registration.

“We are committed to sensitising the public on the importance of the CVR as a pathway to increased electoral participation,” she said, urging political parties and civil society groups to support voter mobilisation efforts.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the APC in Ekiti State, Sola Elesin, praised INEC’s preparations for the CVR and disclosed that the party has activated internal structures to encourage eligible members to register ahead of the June 20, 2026, governorship election.